Membership & Development Coordinator [1]
ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF AMERICAN POETS
Founded in 1934, the Academy of American Poets is the nation’s leading champion of poets and poetry with supporters in all fifty states. Its mission is to support American poets at all stages of their careers and to foster the appreciation of contemporary poetry.
The organization annually awards a total of $1.25 million to more than 200 poets at various stages of their careers. The organization also produces Poets.org, the world’s largest publicly funded website for poets and poetry; established and organizes National Poetry Month each April; publishes the popular Poem-a-Day series and American Poets magazine; provides award-winning resources to K–12 educators, including the Teach This Poem series; hosts an annual series of poetry readings and special events; and coordinates a national Poetry Coalition working to promote the value poets bring to our culture. Taken together, the Academy reaches more than 2 million individuals each month.
In addition to its mission, the Academy staff is guided by the organization’s values, which include anti-racism, collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion, innovation, and leadership.
MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
POSITION SUMMARY: The Membership & Development Coordinator is a full-time position that reports to the Director of Donor Relations and assists in work to grow the base of supporters of the organization to meet fundraising goals. This position helps maintain the donor database and our membership program. This position also assists with major donors, donor-advised funds, and special events as assigned.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Membership & Development
- Process membership payments, online contributions, and campaign contributions in a timely and accurate manner
- Maintain the data hygiene schedule and lead regular upkeep of the donor database
- Maintain up-to-date understanding of industry best practices on data hygiene
- Produce member and donor communications throughout the year, including acknowledgement letters, renewals notices, and special appeal campaigns, overseeing content updates and art production in line with best practices and strategic priorities
- Coordinate fulfillment of membership benefits, producing benefit mailings and maintaining the benefit calendar
- Oversee sourcing and production of special donor premiums
- Ensure timely response to email, mail, and phone inquiries from members and donors
- Prepare regular reports on membership and major gifts, as requested
- Maintain day-to-day functionality of the recurring gift program
- Produce special mailings as needed
- Assist with online fundraising campaigns as needed
Special Events
- Work with Development staff to produce invitations and mailings
- Produce acknowledgement letters
- Assist at events as necessary
Membership & Development Communications
- Produce bi-monthly member newsletter, coordinating outreach to colleagues across the Academy
- Update newsletter subscribers according to the bi-monthly schedule
EXPERIENCE:
- 1–3 years experience in nonprofit development work
- 1–2 years experience with Blackbaud’s The Raiser's Edge and/or Raiser’s Edge NXT
- 1–2 years experience with Microsoft Office and Google applications
- 1–2 experience with an email communications marketing platform
- Bachelor’s degree in related field
COMMITMENTS AND COMPETENCIES:
- Commitment to excellence in database administration
- Commitment to providing excellent customer service
- Commitment to anti-racism, diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Impeccable communication skills, written and oral, and attention to details
- Able to balance multiple constituencies
- Able to manage multiple projects
- Able to work independently and be self-directed, as well as part of a team
- A self-starter with a demonstrated interest in innovation and improvement
- A passion for poetry, literature, and the arts, a plus
BENEFITS:
- 35 hours/week: Full-time, exempt position
- Salary Range: $50,000- $56,000, depending on experience and not including benefits
- Benefits: health insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid time off (in year one and two: 10 vacation days, 5 sick days, 3 personal days, 1 week off at the end of December, paid summer hours, 12 holidays), 403b savings plan, a commitment to work/life balance.
LOCATION: The offices of the Academy of American Poets are in New York City, but remote applicants are welcome.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION: The Academy of American Poets is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are welcome to apply. The Academy of American Poets does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or any other characteristics protected by law. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Interested applicants may email a cover letter and resume to Molly Walsh, Director of Donor Relations, at mwalsh@poets.org [2]. No calls please.